CS Pawan G Chandak Takes Helm as ICSI President for 2026
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has elected its new leadership for the year 2026. CS Pawan G Chandak steps into the role of President, while CS Dwarakanath Chennur assumes the position of Vice President. Their terms officially begin on January 19, 2026.
Profile of the New President: CS Pawan G Chandak
CS Pawan G Chandak brings a wealth of experience to the presidency. He is a qualified Company Secretary with a specialisation in Labour Laws and Labour Welfare. Chandak founded M/s KPRC & Associates, a firm with a nationwide presence.
His professional expertise spans several critical areas. These include Corporate Law, Foreign Exchange Law, Industrial Law, and Secretarial Audit. He also handles matters related to Arbitration, SEZ, STPI, EOUs, and DOT.
Chandak has advised large corporate houses and multinational companies. He has served as an Independent Director and Advisor, gaining deep insight into corporate legal challenges and deal structuring.
A Proven Leader Within ICSI
CS Pawan G Chandak is no stranger to leadership roles within the institute. He served as the Vice President of ICSI for the year 2025. His election to the Central Council for the 2023-2026 term followed significant regional contributions.
He was elected to the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) for the 2019-2022 term. During this period, he held key positions. He served as Secretary of the Region in 2019, Vice-Chairman in 2020, and Chairman of WIRC ICSI in 2021.
Earlier, he chaired the Pune Chapter of WIRC in both 2012 and 2017. With over 20 years of experience, Chandak is recognised as a hands-on leader. He has a strong track record in guiding organisations on corporate laws, managing risk, and improving operational efficiency.
Meet the New Vice President: CS Dwarakanath Chennur
CS Dwarakanath Chennur, a Fellow Member of ICSI, will serve as Vice President. He holds a B.Com degree from Sri Venkateswara University and an LLB Special from Gulbarga University. Chennur is also a registered Insolvency Professional and an empanelled Social Auditor.
He began his career as a Company Secretary in 1992. After nearly a decade working for various companies, he started his own practice in 2002. Today, he provides services to numerous private and public companies, including listed entities and subsidiaries of foreign companies.
His work primarily involves compliance with the Companies Act, FEMA, RBI Regulations, and SEBI Regulations. Chennur's core areas of expertise are Corporate Laws and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016.
Chennur's Service to the Institute
CS Dwarakanath Chennur has a long history of committee leadership within ICSI. In 2025, he chaired the Regulations & Elections Reforms Committee. He led the PCS Committee in 2024 and the Peer Review Committee in 2023.
Before his election to the Central Council for the 2023-2026 term, he was a Member of the Secretarial Standards Board in 2019 and 2020. He also served the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) from 2011 to 2014, acting as its Chairman in 2013.
At the chapter level, he was elected to the Managing Committee of the Bangalore Chapter for two consecutive terms: 2004-2006 and 2007-2010. He chaired the Bangalore Chapter in 2008. In 2014, the Dr D.G. Shetty Educational Society in Dharwad honoured him with the "VIDYA VIKAS" title for his contributions to education.
The election of CS Pawan G Chandak and CS Dwarakanath Chennur marks a new chapter for ICSI. Their combined experience in corporate law and institute governance is expected to guide the professional body through the coming year.
